March Is the Month to Go Green in Your Diet

Reviewed by: Dr. Steven Knauf, D.C.

By Brandi Goodman

Before the end of March arrives, spring will have officially bloomed. The spring equinox typically occurs around the third week of March, bringing with it warmer weather, rain that helps the foliage flourish, and a sense of new beginnings. These new beginnings and time of growth are precisely why March is such a great month for going green in your diet.

More March Incentives for Green Eating

Aside from the spring season, March has plenty of other ways to incentivize people to make the switch to green eating habits. St. Patrick’s Day arrives every year on March 17, when people find every opportunity to utilize green. Whether it’s wardrobe, drinks, or meals, green is the color of the day. Finding healthy green foods is just another way to fit in for the day. March is also National Nutrition Month, making now an even more opportune time to consider green eating and continuing to do so as the month progresses and thereafter.

What Does It Mean to Go Green in Your Diet?

Going green doesn’t only mean eating green foods, though many of them are quite nutritious and should be included in your meal plan. To go green in your diet essentially means to cut out the processed junk and stick with the clean, whole foods that have the potential to make a significant, positive difference to your overall health. You’ll follow a healthy diet that’s plant-based and avoid anything processed, preserved, and packaged.

What Impact Does Food Dye Have on Your Body?

Going green does not mean, and should never include, dying food green. Artificial food coloring may be prevalent in the U.S., but that doesn’t mean it’s good for you. Many food dyes are derived from substances such as crude oil. It’s possible to develop side effects such as a rash, hyperactivity, irritability, and even depression from too much food dye in your diet. Stick with natural foods that are free from dye for the best health. If you’re going to drink beer on St. Paddy’s day, it’s still best to go yellow.

What Role Do Greens Have in Detox?

In order to detox and rid the body of toxins and free radicals that can cause damage to our cells, we need to eat foods rich in antioxidants. Green eating is especially beneficial for this reason. Many fruits and vegetables contain antioxidant properties, such as beta carotene, that can help fight off these free radicals and eliminate harmful substances from your body for a healthier well-being. Spinach, garlic, apples and even green tea are valuable sources.

What Are Green Superfoods and How Can They Be Added to a Diet?

Some foods are considered superfoods due to their exceptional nutritional value. They are packed with vitamins and minerals that can benefit the body in big ways. Dark leafy greens are one of them. Green tea, avocados, and seaweed are also among the list. While you should consume whole versions of these, there are also greens powders that pack in all the nutrition you need in one scoop. You have to watch which one you’re purchasing, however; some are meant for their antioxidant properties while others contain more vitamins. You can mix it in with water or add it to a smoothie.

Health Benefits of Eating Green Vegetables

Health benefits abound from the many green vegetables you can enjoy. If you’re looking to reduce your risk of heart disease or are attempting to reduce chronic disease symptoms, then adding these to your diet can be a huge help.

Leafy Greens

Just one serving of green leafy foods, such as spinach, kale, and broccoli, offers a healthy dose of Vitamin A, fiber, protein, folic acid, iron, and other vital nutrients. Add daily servings of leafy green veggies to your diet for improved well-being.

Asparagus

Asparagus is a good source of Vitamin K. This vitamin is necessary for helping with calcium buildup, keeping the bones strong, and regulating blood clotting. Asparagus also provides Vitamins A, E, C, and B6, along with folate, fiber, potassium, and more.

Green Onions

Green onions are more beneficial than many people realize. They contain chromium, which is necessary for the metabolic process and managing glucose. They also offer plenty of vitamins, like asparagus, and are ideal for digestion, eye health, and heart health.

Cooking Techniques to Make Green Veggies More Appealing

Not all vegetables taste great in their original form. To make green veggies more appealing and appetizing for yourself, you need to find the form that is best for you. This means trying various seasonings and cooking techniques to help you create a version of the vegetable that you can stand to eat, and hopefully even enjoy. It may be as simple as adding diced up pieces of it to an already-favorite dish.

Baking is a healthy option that can cook and crisp your veggies. Sprinkle some olive oil on your favorites and toss them in garlic or other seasonings for a delicious savory dish.

Should Green Smoothies Be Part of a Balanced Diet?

Green smoothies also make an excellent meal option when you’re eating better. They pack in a lot of nutrition and are easy to make without the need for cooking. Smoothies are an ideal breakfast or snack. To make the taste more appealing, try a recipe that includes more than just green ingredients. A banana, for example, helps add thickness and sweetness to your smoothie.

Blend together one banana, two cups of spinach leaves, one peeled and diced carrot, two tablespoons of honey, three-fourths of a cup of Greek yogurt, and some ice. You can also make an entirely plant-based smoothie using a banana, mango, kale, ice, and oat milk. Add in a small amount of vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.

What About Green Fruit?

Many people think about vegetables when they consider going green. Fruit has plenty of green choices as well. Options such as kiwi, green apples, honeydew melon, green grapes, and pears are all worthwhile. Avocados are also technically a fruit and they pack healthy fats, protein, and fiber.

Do Herbs Have Significant Value?

The herbs that you can grow are particularly beneficial for the body. They also make great seasonings. Skip the salt and opt for naturally-grown dried herbs to season your veggies in a worthwhile way. Oregano, parsley, thyme, and rosemary are solid choices.

Go Green and Get Chiropractic

Go green in your diet and your life. Healthy whole foods and clean products can help you boost your physical and mental well-being. Add chiropractic care to the list and you have an even better chance of feeling your best. Visit The Joint Chiropractic for an adjustment this March, and discover just how well going green works for you.

The information, including but not limited to text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this page, is for informational purposes only. The purpose of this post is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics, including but not limited to the benefits of chiropractic care, exercise, and nutrition. It is not intended to provide or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your chiropractor, physician, or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this page.